Keep Learning

Born Marion Morrison in 1907, Wayne was revered for his ruggedness and bravery. On the topic of courage, he said that it is "being scared to death, but saddling up anyway."

To many, the long-time movie star came to stand for patriotism and the American way. Wayne himself was outspokenly patriotic and penned a book titled "John Wayne's America: Why I Love Her." Wayne said he wanted everyone to "know and love our country for what she really is."

Wayne also was able to deliver memorable quotes while in character. He was nominated for Academy Awards three times and won one for Best Actor for his portrayal of Rooster Cogburn in the 1969 film "True Grit." He had plenty of memorable lines as Cogburn, but one of the most famous is, "Young fella, if you're looking for trouble, I'll accommodate ya."

Showing some of his own grit, Wayne survived cancer in 1964. He finally succumbed to the disease in 1979. His reputation for being quotable has inspired at least one book, "The Quotable John Wayne."